Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 21.djvu/222

 214 Southern Historical Society Papers.

larity of this well-known ditty was secured in New Orleans in the spring of 1861, when Mrs John Wood played an engagement at the Varieties Theatre. " Pocahontas," by John Brougham, was the at- traction, and in the last scene a zouave march was introduced. Carlo Patti, brother of Adalina Patti, was the leader of the orchestra. At the rehearsal Carlo was at a loss as to what air to appropriate.

CROWNING TRIUMPH.

Trying several, he finally hit upon "Dixie." Tom McDonough shouted:" That will do the very thing ; play it to-night." Mrs. John Wood, Mark Smith, Loftingwell, and John Owens were de- lighted. Night came, the Zouaves marched on, led by Miss Susan Benin, singing " I wish I was in Dixie." The audience became wild with delight and seven encores were demanded. Soon after the war broke out. The Washington Artillery had the tune arranged for a quickstep by Romoe Meneri. The saloons, the parlors, the streets rang with the " Dixie" air, and " Dixie " became to the South what the " Marsellaise " is to France.

OTHER AUTHORITIES.

Now, to support what I state : Niel Bryant is now in Washington holding some government office ; he ought to be able to back up what I say, as he was a member of his brother's company when it was first produced, and Colonel Alston Brown, of New York, is gen- erally considered authority in all matters pertaining to the history of the show world in the United States. Dan Emmett is a native of Ohio and is of German descent. I, together with R. M. Hooley, got him up a benefit in Chicago. John McCullough, Joe Emmett, and a host of volunteers appeared at a matinee, the result of which was over a thousand dollars. I do not credit that Dan is cutting wood, as he is an excellent fiddler and generally makes a living in that vocation. He is a very careful man and never was under the undue influence of liquor in his life.

DR. G. A. KANE.